Public Health

SAWYER COUNTY COVID-19 STATISTICS

June 4, 2020

Positive Cases: 8

Recovered Cases: 6

Deaths: 0

We have added "recovered" cases now that we have clear definitions that match how the state is reporting out data. A recovered case is a person who is out of isolation AND it has been at least 30 days since the onset of symptoms.

We have also changed our terminology from "tests" to "cases". When we refer to a case it is a person. In some instances a person may have more than one test due to healthcare decisions. No matter how many negative or positive test results a person may receive, we still just count it as one case which equals one person.

Negative cases: 1,247

See the WI DHS Counties map below for the most current testing information, or click here for a link to current Wisconsin COVID-19 Data. Updated daily at about 2:00 pm.

May 28, 2020 - It was confirmed that a resident living in Water’s Edge Care Center in Hayward has tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This is the facility’s first case and a direct result of proactive facility wide testing that was performed last week as part of a statewide goal to test all nursing home residents and staff in the month of May.

GENERAL INFORMATION

If you have general questions or concerns about COVID-19, please dial 211 to speak to a community resource specialist.

A Sawyer County Community COVID-19 Screening Hotline has expanded days of operation and will now be open 7 days per week from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The purpose of this hotline is to help identify people in our community who may be appropriate for coronavirus testing. All individuals who have any of the following respiratory symptoms: cough, fever or shortness of breath should call the hotline at 715-934-4518.

Symptoms

Monitor Any Symptoms:

If your illness is worsening (for example, if you have difficulty breathing), seek medical attention, but call first if you can.

Call your doctor before going in: Before going to the doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead if you can and tell them your symptoms. They will tell you what to do.

If possible, take your temperature twice a day with a thermometer. A fever is typically a temperature of 100.4°F or greater. If you do not have a thermometer, symptoms of fever may including feeling unusually hot for no reason, having chills or having the sweats.

Wear a facemask: If possible, put on a facemask before you enter the building. If you can’t put on a facemask, try to keep a safe distance from other people—at least 6 feet away. This will help protect the people in the office or waiting room.

Testing Guidelines

The Sawyer County Community COVID-19 Screening Hotline has expanded days of operation and will now be open 7 days per week from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The purpose of this hotline is to help identify people in our community who may be appropriate for coronavirus testing.

All individuals who have any of the following respiratory symptoms: cough, fever or shortness of breath should call the hotline at 715-934-4518. A healthcare professional will ask you a series of questions to determine if testing is appropriate. This does not replace the need for you to call your clinic or go to the Emergency Room if you need immediate medical attention.

If you are designated for testing, an appointment will be made for you and instructions will be provided on where to report for curbside testing. Lac Courte Oreilles tribal members and tribal employees will be scheduled for curbside testing at the LCO Health Center and all other county residents will be scheduled at Hayward Area Memorial Hospital’s medical campus. Appointments are required for COVID-19 curbside testing. Individuals arriving without an appointment will be directed to call the Screening Hotline.

CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

Safer At Home

On 3/24/2020, Gov. Tony Evers issued an emergency Safer at Home order that prohibits all nonessential travel, with some exceptions as clarified and defined in the order.

The order went into effect at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 and will remain in effect until 8 a.m. Fri., April 24, 2020, or until a superseding order is issued.

Individuals do not need special permission to leave their homes, but they must comply with this order as to when they may leave home. Similarly, if a business is an Essential Business or Operation as defined in this order, it does not need documentation or certification to continue its work that is done in compliance with this order.

The Sawyer County Health Department recommends that all employers put COVID-19 screening protocols in place. The guidance in this document is critical to keep in place even once Safer at Home orders are lifted.

Our only tools to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is through social distancing, which includes physical distance along with limiting the number of people we are in close contact with throughout our daily activities. The guidance in this document is critical to keep in place even once Safer at Home orders are lifted.

This advisory is consistent with previous steps taken by the State of Wisconsin, other states, and Sawyer County to control the spread of COVID-19 and the continued need to protect the health, welfare and safety of the people and property in Sawyer County.

Due to high community transmission in certain areas of the State, the Sawyer County Public Health Officer recommends that you stay in your permanent home and not travel to your seasonal or second home in Sawyer County.

Sawyer County Community Resources

Senior Resource Center (SRC)

Need Assistance Picking Up Groceries or Medication?

If you, or someone you know, is considered high risk and would like assistance getting groceries or medications delivered to your residence, please contact the Sawyer County Senior Resource Center by calling 715-634-3000

Meals on Wheels contact 715-634-3000

Transportation - bus services are limited to essential needs only

LCO Senior Center (Elder Care):

Delivering 5 days of meals on Mondays. Office open by appointments only 8-4:30

Patients looking for alternative ways to access their prescriptions may use our pharmacy drive-thru, and Walgreens is waiving delivery fees for all eligible prescriptions. Patients should talk to their pharmacists to confirm their prescriptions are eligible for delivery at this time. They can also send a representative to pick up their medications on their behalf if they choose.

In response to the global pandemic of COVID-19 Corona Virus the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Elder & Disabled Services/Nutrition program will institute the following plan to slow the progression of the virus and protect our Aging & Disabled community members.

• The Congregate meal site will be closed until further notice, clients may come in, sign-in, and pick up a take-out container.

• Home Delivered meals will still continue with the hopes of providing up to a week’s worth and/or frozen meals for clients, Staff is working hard to provide the daily meal and other meals for our Volunteers to deliver, which may include more than one visit, this is still a work in progress.

• In regards to providing elders with “care packages”, that would contain essential daily cleaning supplies, we have contacted all available vendors that are either out of stock or on back order, we are currently looking into other options at this time.

Several Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are offering free or low-cost internet access options in response to the COVID-19 health emergency. These services are offered in the areas each ISP serves, or as otherwise described.

TRAVEL

It is recommended Wisconsin residents cancel or postpone all nonessential travel, including travel within the state. At this time, all international and domestic travel is considered risky, and all individuals who spend time outside of their home or local community have some risk of exposure to COVID-19. If international or domestic travel cannot be avoided, be prepared to remain away for an extended period of time if travel restrictions change or if you become sick. You should also be prepared to self-quarantine at home for 14 days upon your return.

Travel between private homes within the state, including seasonal homes or rental cabins, is strongly discouraged. This is for your safety and wellbeing as well as the safety of our rural counties and tribal communities. Non-essential travel outside your current community may spread COVID-19 to areas with very limited health care infrastructure.

Several counties in Wisconsin have issued travel advisories for seasonal and second homeowners. If you choose to travel to a second home in Wisconsin, you should be prepared to immediately self-quarantine for 14 days. You should bring your own groceries and essentials, as self-quarantine does not permit shopping at local stores for supplies.

How to Protect Your Family

The best way to prevent COVID-19 or any illness is to avoid being exposed to it. Currently there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. However, the following everyday preventive actions can protect you and others.

Follow the advice of your healthcare providers and national, state, and local public health. National and local authorities have the most up-to-date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in our area. They are the best sources to advise you on what you should be doing to protect yourself.

CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

Stress and Anxiety Resources

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Disaster Distress Helpline

If all the talk about COVID-19 is making you feel overwhelmed or frightened, contact the SAMHSA Disaster Helpline:

The SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 365 day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human caused-disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents of the United States and its territories.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness. Call and Chat are available. 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Texting Hopeline

The Center for Suicide Awareness brings help, hope, and resources to families and individuals in our communities through programs that reach others where they are at and when they need it most. Of the many Center programs and initiatives, bringing HOPELINE to all of Wisconsin, has given individuals across our state free emotional support anytime, from anywhere by simply texting: HOPELINE to 741741.